Sycamore’s Mundy will seek re-election

SYCAMORE – Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy will seek re-election for the final time this April after officially announcing his candidacy Tuesday.

Mundy, who is finishing his second term as mayor, said he came to the decision after talking with community members and organizations and, most importantly, his wife, who gave him her blessing. He also said a clean bill of health from his doctors assured him he would have the energy and health to dedicate the time he believes is needed to be effective in the role.

“I feel good physically and mentally, and with my peer group, that starts to become a factor,” said Mundy, who turns 66 in October. “I feel good and I love this job and I hope to do it one more time.”

Since taking over as mayor in 2005, Mundy has overseen public- and private-sector growth in the city, with the expansion of the Sycamore Police Department, the construction of a second firehouse and additions to the Sycamore Prairie Business Park. Sycamore also recently welcomed a new car dealership as well that built a major facility next to Menards.

Mundy, who has more than 40 years of service with the city, said although he is proud to have helped with those projects, it has been the work of city staff, council members and residents that has pushed Sycamore forward.

“Team Sycamore is huge, and I’m just proud to be a part of it,” Mundy said. “I can’t take credit for [expansions].”

If Mundy is re-elected, he said he would like to focus on infrastructure and continue upgrades to the city’s outdated water and sewer lines. During Mundy’s tenure, the office has also become a full-time responsibility. Mundy said he hopes his eventual successor will continue to serve in a full-time capacity because it gives residents a constant line of communication.

“People have become used to the mayor being here every day,” Mundy said. “Hopefully someone will come forward who will be able to continue that.”

Mundy was the only person to pick up a petition to run for the mayor’s office Tuesday.

The city clerk position and alderman positions for wards one, two, three and four are also open during the April 9 election for interested residents. Petitions can be picked up at the city clerk’s office at 308 W. State St.